The evening, which features Klea Blackhurst in the role of Broadway great , will celebrate the original cast recording of Merman's Apprentice, produced by John Yap for Jay Records.
The concert version of the Stephen Cole and David Evans musical will also include , , , , , , , , Sarah Sessler and 13-year-old as Muriel Plakenstein.
A six-piece band led by Lawrence Yurman will back the performers. Orchestrations are by .
The new musical is described as such: "Picture it: 1970. The Golden Age of Musical Theatre is drawing to an end. But twelve-year-old Muriel Plakenstein doesn't know that. So she runs away from home to become a Broadway star, and meets the Queen of Broadway, Ethel Merman, who takes her to a Hello, Dolly! rehearsal where they sing together. When legendary producer hears the kid, he decides to star Muriel in the first all-child cast of Dolly! Naturally, Merman takes her under wing to teach her the ropes of being a star...making little Muriel Plakenstein Merman's Apprentice."
The new CD will be available for sale at the performance. Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street. There is a $25 cover charge and a $10 food and beverage minimum. Email [email protected] for reservations or call (212) 581-3080.
